City of love
Hongbin shields his eyes from the sun as he steps out of the taxi he took from the airport. The driver steps out of the car to help him retrieve his luggage from the trunk. He didn't bring much with him, only a small suitcase becaus he doesn't know how long he will stay. He thanks the man for his help and tips him generously before turning to face the building behind him. He takes a deep breath and glances at his watch.
It is early. Too early. He must have miscalculated when he had first looked up flights. Will Seokjin be home at such an hour? What if he decided to sleep at a friend's house? Well, Hongbin figures he won't know if he doesn't go knock on the door first. He reaches inside the pocket of his coat and grabs the crumpled piece of paper that has an address scribbled on it. He looks at the paper, then at the street sign and finally at the number adorning the front of the building. Everything matches. Reassured, he shoves the paper back into his pocket, readjusts the straps of his faux leather backpack and grabs the handle of his suitcase before climbing the few steps leading to the porch. The doors are not locked. There are no intercoms either. Hongbin can't help but wonder if this is a safe place to live. No locks to keep people who don't live here at bay, no intercom to hear who is visiting before deciding to let them in? He's not used to this, but in a way, he is thankful because it helps him with his surprise.
Because this is what it is. Seokjin doesn't know that Hongbin is here, in Paris, to see him. The last time they had facetimed, Hongbin hadn't mentioned anything about him visiting. He didn't say anything either in their kakaotalk chat. It had been a sudden decision. Hongbin had felt an indescribable longing to see his boyfriend, to touch him, smell him, hear him laugh...and so here he is.
He climbs the stairs until he reaches the door with the number that matches the one of Seokjin's apartment. Hongbin sets his luggage down beside his feet and runs his hands over his chest, smoothing down his clothes. He then runs his fingers through his hair, as if to make sure they were still styled properly even though he didn't have a mirror with him to check. He pops a mint into his mouth even though he had taken the time at the airport to freshen up and brush his teeth. Another deep breath and he raises his fist to knock on the door. He then takes a step back and wait. He feels so nervous, which is completely ridiculous considering how long Seokjin and him have known each other, and yet here he is, feeling like he is about to meet his future in-laws for the first time.
















